Norton Security 2.0 in 1 User 5 Devices 2015 Review

Norton Security 2.0 in 1 User 5 Devices 2015 Review

Norton Security combines features from their previous products (Norton Antivirus, Internet Security and 360) into one security suite and provides security for a multitude of operating systems (see below). **This review is for Norton installed on a laptop running Windows 7, a desktop running Windows Vista and an Android smartphone running Jelly Bean 4.2.2 (I don’t think it will add much extra security to iOS devices)**

I’ve been using Norton on my PCs for years – it runs silently and unobtrusively in the background effortlessly taking care of business. Set up your options for when you want it to update virus definitions, run scheduled scans, carry out background tasks, etc and it all just happens effortlessly with no noticeable impact on my laptop or desktop’s performance. If you just want peace of mind against nasties lurking on the web, opt for this – that little Norton logo with a green tick displayed in the task bar is VERY reassuring. Installation was straightforward and it automatically uninstalled my previous version of Norton 360.

When installing it I was presented with an ‘Exclusive Norton Offer’ to enrol in the “Automatic Renewal Service” and in the small print it states “By enrolling in the Norton Automatic Renewal Service, you authorise Symantec to automatically charge the then current renewal subscription fee, plus applicable taxes, to your credit or debit card”. I didn’t enrol and I would advise NOT enrolling because Norton will be able to charge you what they want when it’s time to renew. In all the years I’ve been using Norton it’s always been cheaper to purchase elsewhere. You may get lucky and get it at a cheaper price from Norton but you’re basically at their mercy if you sign up for it.

Installation on my Android smartphone was straight forward. I just installed the NortonMobile app from the Google Play store, logged in using my Norton account details when prompted and it was up and running immediately. As well as the usual Anti-Malware, you can block calls and websites, back up your contacts and there are Anti-theft tools where you can locate your device and lock or wipe it if you need to. There’s also an App Advisor that’s checks the security of apps. To be honest, I wouldn’t purchase this solely to use on an Android device (I only installed it because I had a spare licence) because there are free alternatives and Google’s Android Device Manager covers the Anti-Theft function that this offers.

The Norton website confirms that following operating systems are supported by Norton Security 2.0 2015:

Windows XP (32-bit) with Service Pack 3 (SP 3) or later.

Windows Vista (32-bit and 64-bit) with Service Pack 1 (SP 1) or later.

Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit) with Service Pack 1 (SP 1) or later.

Windows 8/8 Pro (32-bit and 64-bit).

Windows 8.1/8.1 Pro (32-bit and 64-bit).

Current and previous two versions of Mac OS X.

Android 2.3 or later (must have the Google Play app installed).

iOS 5 or later (Some features are not available on iPad and iPhone).

***Finally, if you just require Norton Internet Security and none of the Windows optimisation tools that Norton Security 2015 provides (nearly all can be run from within Windows without Norton) for up to three PCs and no devices, check the price for Norton Internet Security 21.0 (2014 Edition) – 3 Computers, 1 Year Subscription before purchasing this edition and go for the cheaper of the two. The 2014 edition does, as it states on the box, Automatically updates to the latest version.